African Climate Doctoral Fellowships | Call for Applications

Applications are open for 12 African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships. This fully funded, four-year programme trains African scholars in climate research. The University of Cape Town hosts the doctoral training directly. Each fellowship links to one specific research topic and supervisor.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: African Climate Collaborative, University of Cape Town
• Funding: Fully funded; specific stipend amount not published
• Duration: 4 years, one year coursework plus three years research
• Eligibility: African citizens under 35, with a relevant master’s degree
• Fellowships Available: 12, each tied to a named research topic
• Application Deadline: 15 October 2026, 23:00 SAST

Focus Areas

• Climate governance, energy transition, and urban resilience
• Biodiversity, fisheries, and remote sensing research
• Climate-resilient agriculture and food security
• Water infrastructure and estuarine adaptation

About the Fellowship

This programme builds a new generation of African climate scholars directly. Nineteen distinct research topics span disciplines from ecology to governance. Fellows complete structured coursework before three years of independent thesis work. Women and applicants with displacement or disability experience are especially encouraged.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows join a fully funded four-year doctoral training programme. UCT provides admission support once a fellowship is awarded. Each fellow gains a dedicated supervisor matched to their chosen topic. Doctoral skills training accompanies research work throughout years two through four.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be African citizens, including those living outside Africa. Candidates need a master’s degree in their chosen topic’s discipline. Applicants must be under 35 as of 1 February 2027. Only one research topic may be selected per applicant.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a five-page CV listing three referees, including their supervisor. A writing sample, transcripts, and a letter of motivation are required. A copy of national ID or passport completes the application.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application before 15 October 2026, 23:00 SAST.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://acdi.uct.ac.za/africaclimatecollaborative/phd-fellowships-climate-and-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuinely funded doctoral training addressing Africa’s climate challenges directly. Its topic-specific supervisor matching gives fellows immediate, focused mentorship. Applicants should choose their single topic carefully before the October deadline.

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